British and Irish unions condemn “repugnant acts of hate on our streets”

After horrendous far-right violence in the UK and Ireland, the European Trade Union Confederation is convening unions in Dublin to discuss a plan to develop trade union capacity in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. 

The UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have come together to condemn the violence and those that incite it, committing to “stand against hate and bring working people together in solidarity.”

In a Joint statement, Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, and Owen Reidy, ICTU General Secretary, said:

“After the horrendous knife attack in Belfast and murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton, we stand with the victims’ families in urging calm and reconciliation. It is disgraceful that rather than honour their wishes, some have chosen to capitalise on these tragedies to sow division and fuel violence.  

“From Belfast to Glasgow to Southampton, we have seen repugnant acts of hate on our streets. Families burnt out of homes. Violent mobs forcing communities to shelter in their places of worship. Gangs of men trying to stop nurses from going to work simply because of the colour of their skin.  

“We need to call this out for what it is - pure racist thuggery, which has no place in modern Britain and Ireland.  

“Politicians must take responsibility for their words too. Nigel Farage has a huge social media following. He and other politicians have a responsibility to think about the language they use.  

“We need leaders who want to bring this country together – not tear it apart. When you call for 'cold hard rage' you have to understand that this is where it leads. Politicians whip up division and communities are left to pick up the pieces.  

"And we need leaders willing to take a proper stand against social media plutocrats like Elon Musk who stoke the flames and encourage civil unrest.  

“Trade unions from across Europe are meeting today to discuss peacebuilding. In conflict after conflict, malignant actors have preyed on desperation, turning people to violence when they feel they have no stake in society.  

“We cannot allow that to happen in our communities. Working class people of all backgrounds have more in common than that which divides us. Trade unions need to do what we have always done: stand against hate and bring working people together in solidarity.”